If you haven't experienced it yourself, then you've probably heard some of the horror stories about finding or working with a graphic designer. It can be difficult, tedious and frustrating to say the least, but in all fairness it's no different than any other profession. Think about how some people must feel when they have to work with some of your competitors.
First, you'll want to review some basics—things that are vital in any industry. Is your potential designer on time to meet with you? Do they treat your employees with respect or do they treat them like they don't matter? Did they do their homework before they came? Once you get the basics down, your list of potential designers will likely be much smaller. Now you can start looking at some things that are more specific to our industry.
Presentation – Everything from how a designer dresses to how they package their sample work tells you something about them. Check out their clothes, but avoid basing your opinion on your personal fashion preferences. Instead, look for details that will tell you how much effort they put into their own appearance. Clean shoes are a great sign of someone who pays attention to detail. Others are clipped nails. You'll also want to pay attention to whether the work presented in their portfolio is straightforward. While these may seem like small details, they will mean a lot in determining the attention to detail your designer will bring to your project.
Preparation – Did your designer run up to your office door chasing his wind-blown papers across the parking lot, or walk confidently to your door with materials in hand? Did he show up with a pen and notebook? This is important if you don't want to spend a lot of time later reminding them of the many things you've already told them. A designer who is unprepared for the initial meeting will not conduct day-to-day business any differently.
Point of View – Everyone has a different view of the world and it goes without saying that those with a similar point of view will work better together. With that in mind, it's important to find a designer who shares your beliefs. Advertising your multi-million dollar SUV dealership will never achieve spectacular results if you use a designer who believes that all corporations are big evils out to destroy society for money. If your designer doesn't understand where you're coming from, they'll never be able to tell your prospects.
Portfolio – This really is a classic case of “size doesn’t matter – it’s how you use it!” You can lose out when considering designers if you dismiss a designer because of a small portfolio. A designer who came in a 3-piece suit with a 3-inch-thick portfolio is not necessarily going to be the one for the job. Maybe a girl with no college and a nine-page portfolio of work she did at home is a better fit for you. Quality is really the most important thing. A designer who brings everything may not be able to decide what to present and what not to present, which can mean that they will have the same problem in conveying a clear message to your audience.
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